Chief Thomas Byrne described Union Fire Department Captain Steven Spurr as a “model EMT” when he presented his colleague with a 2016 EMT Excellence Award on behalf of Overlook Medical Center in Summit.
Appointed to the Township of Union Fire Department on Feb. 1, 1990, Spurr was promoted to lieutenant on Jan. 13, 2004, and to captain on Oct. 7, 2008. During his career, Byrne noted, Spurr has been assigned to countless fires and emergencies throughout the township and surrounding communities, and received honors including a Group Award after a motor vehicle crash that involved a fire and entrapment on Route 22 in 2013, two Unit Awards for actions bringing credit to the fire service in 2007 and 2008, and The Heroism and Community Service Award from Firehouse Magazine. In addition, as an ambulance squad callman, Spurr earned a Meritorious Award for assisting in the rescue of a victim at a house fire on Burnett Avenue in Union in 1988.
Spurr and his wife Vicki have two sons, Ian and Nolan. In addition to Spurr’s service to the UFD, Byrne noted, the captain is also a statecertified paramedic who “personally delivers compassionate patient care, using his knowledge and experience to provide comfort to his patients. Steve also helped to initiate and author our EMS Standard Operating Procedure and led the way for the Union Fire Department to implement the Confined Space Rescue Program.” It is due to the officer’s expertise in the EMS field, according to Byrne, that “Steve has been appointed as the EMS chairman to the New Jersey State FMBA,” the Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association.
“As chairman,” said Byrne, “he offers expert advice on all state and federal issues that affect local and fire-based EMS, coordinates continuing EMS education for FMBA members and works with the New Jersey State FMBA Legislative Committee on legislation regarding EMS.” Byrne said he feels there is “no candidate more qualified and deserving than Steve to receive the Overlook EMT Excellence Award, not only for his contributions to the EMS program at the Union Fire Department but also for his dedication and service to the entire local and state-wide EMS community.”
(above) Captain Steven Spurr of the Union Fire Department has been honored with a 2016 EMT Excellence Award from Overlook Medical in Summit. He received a plaque presented to him by the department’s chief, Thomas Byrne.
